Okay, her father had never done anything that extreme. But, whenever she’d been stationed near him, he had scared off all of her boyfriends, and Kenzie’s.
Although, technically, he hadn’t scared off Sam.
Because he’d never known.
“Let’s get on with the briefing.” Her father emerged from his office at a good clip. “I’ve got another meeting topside in a half-hour.”
Eager to find out exactly what role she had in this operation, Lisa took her seat at the round table in the spot designated by her code name. Each chair held the name used strictly while on missions and sitting at this table, or when communicating in the field. Never in between.
She still wasn’t sure why she had one since she basically stayed in her lab analyzing. Not once had her father sent her out in the field, even though she had been attached to several combat missions as an NIO. Plus, there was her other training. At her father’s insistence, she held a black belt in kung fu, could shoot, disassemble and reassemble practically any firearm known to man, and all by the time she’d graduated high school.
Yet, he still never once sent her out on assignment.
Just Brooke.
Granted, the woman was a walking weapon. Her file was full of covert ops, some that had her under for years. With her Special Forces training and ability to operate any mode of transportation via air, land, or sea, Brooke Hudson earned her spot as a top operative…and her code name.
“Okay, boss. What’s the job? Lay it on us,” TJ prompted, settling back in his chair, bottle of water balanced on his knee.
“A retrieval out in L.A.”
No need for her father to say any more. She knew the drill. Brooke would pilot the plane and assist the SEAL with the retrieval. TJ would work his tech magic from Camelot. And she would twiddle her thumbs analyzing something or other in her lab, as usual.
“Brooke will pilot the plane and assist me and the others already out there with the takedown of their target. Elisabeth, you’ll assist with the retrieval. TJ, I need you to call up the blueprints for this estate,” her father said, sliding folders to them.
But her mind had snagged on her name. For two reasons.
One…she was going out in the field?
It only took eight dang months of staying behind.
The urge to fist pump the air burst through her, but she remained strong, and was careful to keep her expression neutral as she pulled the file closer, hoping her father hadn’t noticed the tremor in her hands. This was finally her chance to prove herself, and she was not going to blow it.
And two…her father wasn’t using code names. Why wasn’t he using code names?
He hit her with his direct, see-right-into-your-soul blue gaze. “Your knowledge of Russian is vital.”
That had to be why he’d chosen her for the mission. NIOs had to know languages and cultures. Something she’d always excelled at and ate up. “Yes, sir.”
“I need you to direct my man on the scene.”
She nodded and hoped this SEAL wasn’t full of himself. Thanks to her father and his many positions in and out of the military, she’d been around both personalities. The “God’s gift to women” types made her eyelids twitch.
Not a good look for her.
“The new guy’s a SEAL?” TJ asked.
Her father nodded. “Yes. From DEVGRU.”
The computer specialist whistled. “Wasn’t that your old unit at one time, sir?”
“Yes.” Pride thickened his tone. “But back then, it was called SEAL Team Six.”
Only the best of the best for her father. Of course, he’d reach out to the unit he’d served in before the CIA had recruited him into their SOG operations.
Her father continued his briefing. “I’ve worked with Lieutenant Commander Sam Gentry before. He hasn’t said yes, yet. But he will. His Knight code name is Bors.”
Her heart stopped. Brooke flew to Virginia Beach to fetch Sam?
Her Sam?
Every muscle in Lisa’s body stiffened at once. Of all the SEALs for her father to reach out to, why did it have to be Sam? What in the world was she going to do?
Not that she wouldn’t love to see the guy again. She would. All of him. Naked. That was the problem.
When her father glanced at his watch, she sucked in a much needed breath and tried to calm her mind. It was going to be okay. Sam probably had a wife and kids by now and had moved on.
Unlike her.
The thought of the gorgeous, attentive man who’d introduced her to sex loving another woman sent a shaft of pain through Lisa’s chest. She drew in more air, then quietly exhaled, reminding herself that he had never made her any promises.
Doing her best to move past the ache, she listened to what her father was saying.
“That’s the Lieutenant Commander’s file I gave you. Look it over. Get familiar with him, because you’re going to have to pose as his wife. ” He turned his attention to TJ. “I need you to get me those blueprints. Now.”
Lisa was vaguely aware of the guys moving toward the computer pit, because, once again, she was rooted to the spot. Pose as Sam’s wife? Get familiar with him? A hysterical snicker threatened to escape her throat. She’d already been familiar with the man. Very familiar.
Cripes. If her father ever knew…
Her luck sucked. She finally got a field assignment, but had to pose as her ex-lover’s wife…and try not to be affected by his sexiness.
Somebody hated her.
This wasn’t good. Nor was it fair. Especially if Sam was married. It was because of that possibility that his file had remained closed in front of her.
Foolish.
Unprofessional.
All of the above.
Yes, the man was her first love, and it was only natural she’d have feelings for him. But he wasn’t her only lover. So, why was she acting like it? She’d dated other men since him. Not for very long, of course; her father had seen to that. But she’d had one other lover a few years back. Who left her cold…and wishing she’d had Sam’s number.
But she’d moved on, dammit.
It was all good. If she ever found another man who moved her like Sam—and wasn’t in the business—then she was determined to tell her father to back off.
But none of that mattered at the moment. Just this job. It was her big chance to prove to her father she could handle field work.
She dropped her gaze to the folder under her hand. Regardless of Sam’s marital status, she vowed to bury her feelings. The assignment had to take precedence. It was too important. Her father depended on her, trusted her, and she was not going to let him down.
Now, if she could just get her hand to stop shaking long enough to open the damn folder, she could read what Sam had been up to since she’d last seen him a little over five years ago.
Chapter 2
Forty-eight minutes later, Sam grabbed his ready-at-a-moment’s-notice pack he carried everywhere, and disembarked the plane onto what appeared to be a private military base. Going by the view he’d had as they’d touched down, he placed his location somewhere near Arlington.
Stretching a kink from his neck, he contemplated the leer jet and how the commander had gotten approval to land it on the base back in Virginia Beach. It was civilian. So was the stunning female pilot, although Brooke was definitely former military. He could tell by the lethal grace, sure set of her shoulders, dark hair slicked back in a clean, tight ponytail, and brown eyes, hard and shadowed with experience and death.
The same darkness stared back at him through gray eyes when he looked in a mirror. The stuff he’d seen and done snuffed out any innocence and light a long time ago.
“Get in. The boss is waiting,” the beauty stated, striding to the driver’s side of a black SUV parked inside the hanger.
Had to be CIA connections. Or maybe the commander was still in. That would explain the clearance at the base and this set up here.
He settled in next to the serious woman, but inste
ad of remaining quiet, as her demeanor told she’d prefer, he gave into his training and the need for answers. “What branch of the military were you in?”
The corner of her mouth twitched as she continued to look straight ahead, maneuvering onto the interstate. “Special Forces.”
His brows rose. “Delta?”
“No.” She snickered. “Those wusses couldn’t keep up.”
Wusses?
Oh, he liked her.
“I know what you mean.” He chuckled.
His team ran many ops and trained side by side with Delta. They were by no means wusses, but the standing rivalry between them and the SEALs was too ingrained for him to defend the branch out loud.
“You’re DEVGRU, right?”
Out of habit, his chin lifted before he nodded. “Yes. Part of Gold Squadron.”
That got her attention. She glanced at him; a perfectly arched brow rose a fraction. “You’re a Knight?”
“Yes.” He had to admit, he was a little impressed she was familiar enough with the breakdown to know Gold Squadron’s nickname. Then again, Jameson Knight expected excellence and thoroughness from his people.
She laughed, her attention returning back to the road. “I can’t decide if it’s ironic or fate that has me fetching a knight for a Knight.”
Sam smiled. “Perhaps both.”
Her dark head bobbed in agreement as she eased onto an exit and into midday traffic.
A ripple of worry spread across his shoulders. If he got called back to the base, he’d be pushing that hour window, especially if they traveled much farther.
“Relax, I can get you back in plenty of time if you’re summoned,” she said, as if reading his mind.
He heard her words, but read something entirely different in her no-need-to-worry expression—she didn’t expect to take him back.
Did she know something he didn’t?
Before he could ask, she pulled up to the curb. “We’re here.”
To hold his relief in check, he glanced out his window at a coffee shop in the corner of a two-story, brick building that took up the whole block. An art gallery occupied the other end. He returned his gaze to the café.
Tables lined the windows of the aptly named Corner Coffee Café. Although each one was occupied, none held the commander. But he was there. Sam could feel the man waiting inside. Call it sixth sense, or inner knowledge, he just knew Commander Knight had eyes on him.
A little surprised she hadn’t turned off the ignition, he glanced at his chauffer. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“Nope. This is between you and the boss.”
“Well then…” He thrust out his hand and nodded. “It was nice meeting you, Brooke. Thanks for the rides.”
“No worries.” As she shook his hand, her grip firm and sure, another small smile curved her mouth. “See you around, Knight SEAL.”
Answering grin on his lips, Sam stepped onto the curb and shouldered his bag as the SUV disappeared around the corner. He hoped the commander gave her orders to wait nearby should he need to head back to base.
Knowing Jameson Knight, he needn’t worry.
More than curious to know why he was in Georgetown, he opened the door and strode into the shop. Rich, bold aromas hit him at once, and he’d wager they alone would fill him with enough caffeine to pull a double shift without even ingesting a drop.
“Gentry. Over here.” A quick, single wave summoned him to the corner.
Even before the man had spoken, Sam knew the commander’s location. Tall, and still lean for a guy in his early fifties, the silver dusting on his dark temples only added to the sharp, distinguished persona. The man wore authority like an invisible cloak. It reached out and grabbed attention without trying.
Jameson Knight was quiet, lethal, capable, and cunning, but above all, fair. The good of his assault squadron, and welfare of the innocent, were his concerns. Not money or bureaucrats. All of which added up to the reason his men would follow him into hell and back, then and now.
Sam was no exception, and it had nothing to do with owing the guy his life. He respected the man who didn’t command from behind a desk, but got down and dirty with the team when need be.
Also the reason he’d broken it off with Lisa when he’d discovered his new commander was her father.
There was a code. You didn’t mess with another man’s family. Sam hadn’t known the beautiful, smart, hazel-eyed brunette was his commander’s daughter those few months they’d dated. And he certainly hadn’t known beforehand when he’d initiated the pretty, twenty-two-year-old into womanhood. Memories of the sweet way she used to sigh and tremble beneath him rushed through his head. He’d never expected such a sexy woman to be virgin…or Jameson Knight’s oldest daughter.
Jesus.
If the commander ever found out Sam had deflowered one of his little girls, he’d have nothing left to deflower anyone with ever again.
“Good to see you, son.” Commander Knight rose to his feet and thrust out his hand as Sam approached.
Dragging his mind off Lisa, he shook her father’s hand. “You, too, sir.”
“Have a seat.” His former superior waved to the chair opposite him.
He set his pack on an empty seat, and his butt had barely touched the other chair when a waitress appeared to place a Styrofoam cup in front of him.
The commander smiled at what was sure to be his stupefied expression. “I took the liberty of ordering you a cup.”
How the man knew the precise time he’d arrive, and have hot coffee waiting for him, he had no idea. Knowing he was awaiting his approval, Sam brought the cup to his lips and sipped. His taste buds immediately rejoiced. “Columbian supreme. It’s been a long time since I tasted perfection.” He wasn’t surprised the commander remembered his favorite flavor, but he was surprised they carried that particular Arabica bean in the shop. “Thank you, sir.”
An amused gleam entered Jameson’s keen blue gaze. “You’re entitled to your opinion. I still hold out hope you’ll join the dark side and start drinking French Roast.”
He smiled. “Not going to happen, sir. Much too bold and smoky for me. I’m more of a mediocre kind of guy.”
“Right.” The commander’s head snapped back with a laugh. “Son, there never has been, and never will be, anything mediocre about you.”
A grin tugged his lips. “True.”
“That’s one of the reasons I asked you here today.” And just like that, the commander switched to work mode. The man didn’t lean closer, or lower his voice, but his tone changed. Clipped and precise, he spoke while smiling, so as not to draw attention. “I need your help.”
Sam adopted the same mannerisms. “Name it.”
“I need you to head to the west coast with one of my operatives to retrieve a Navy Intelligence Officer whose cover has been blown.”
West coast? Damn.
“Sir, you know I’d go to hell for you, but I’m still under orders with DEVGRU and can’t leave Virginia Beach.”
Commander Knight glanced down at his watch, then back up to hold Sam’s gaze. “As of twenty minutes ago, you were reassigned to finish out your contract with me and the Knight Agency.”
Sam blinked, trying to get his head around what he’d just heard. Damn, the man had clout. How was it even possible? He was no longer part of DEVGRU? Or Gold Squadron? The Knights?
Realization knotted his gut, despite the fact he’d been considering leaving after his four months were up. At least then, he would’ve had a few weeks to get used to the idea. This cold turkey shit amplified the sting. Sam was torn. He wanted to help his former commander, but he didn’t like leaving his team without a word. That didn’t sit well with him. Not at all.
“Talk to me, Gentry.”
He cocked his head. “I’m happy to help, sir. I just don’t like leaving my men this way.”
The commander nodded, admiration flashing so fast through his blue gaze it could’ve been a figment of Sam’s imagination.
&
nbsp; “Understandable. The sign of a good leader.”
He didn’t know about that; his gut burned at the thought of not returning to base before his contract ran out. Hell, he wasn’t even sure he was going to leave the SEALs. Working the private sector like Jon, Rick, and Jameson had its perks, but he was still skeptical.
“You don’t have to stay, son. I can give Brooke a call and she’ll have you back to the plane and on the base within the hour.”
The commander just handed him an escape. Question was, did he want it?
It was the end of June. Worst case scenario, he could do the job and be back to his men before the end of July. A snatch and grab would take, at the most, two weeks, and that’s if he started out in the planning stages, which he highly doubted. The man before him had a plan. Sam was certain. This was pretty much a no-brainer.
Even though half of him screamed to take the escape offer, he shook his head. “Not until I help you retrieve the NIO on the west coast.”
Commander Knight nodded and sipped his coffee, eying him above the rim.
His pulse kicked up. There was something else going on here. Something…more.
Keeping his cool, he cocked his head. “What exactly is the Knight Agency, sir?”
The man stood, coffee in hand. “Come on. I’ll show you.”
With no choice but to do the same, Sam shouldered his pack and grabbed his coffee before he followed toward the door that…led to the kitchen?
Pushing through the swinging doors, he noted the workers behind the counter didn’t even bat an eye at them, nor did the costumers pay any attention at the counter; they were too worried about getting their lattes and macchiatos to notice.
Assuming they were taking a short cut to the parking lot out back, to where Brooke no doubt sat waiting in her SUV, he sipped his coffee.
One could be wrong.
Hot SEALs: Knight's SEAL (Kindle Worlds) (Dangerous Curves Series Book 1) Page 2
